Rajgir is an incredible city filled to the brim with a rich history of thousands of years. This city has remnants of the oldest Cyclopean masonry in the world, which was used to make the Cyclopean wall that protected the city of Rajgir against foreign attacks and forces.
Rajgir also has an incredible history attached to all major religions in the country, mainly Hinduism and Buddhism. Overall, the city of Rajgir is a living museum where you can find the secrets of the ancient world laid out in front of your eyes.
By Air: Rajgir doesn’t have its own airport. The closest airport to Rajgir is in Gaya, which is around 68 km from the city. You can easily get transport from the airport to Rajgir such as cabs and buses. The airport is an international airport, and you can easily get flights from India’s neighbouring countries and almost all major Indian cities to Rajgir.
By Road: To get to Rajgir by road, you have to get into Bihar first. State-run buses connect Rajgir to the various important cities in Bihar smoothly. You can reach Rajgir and all the various tourist places close to the city using private and government buses easily. This is one of the most affordable methods for you to get to Rajgir.
By Train: Rajgir has its own train station, and it is located less than a kilometre from the city centre. The Rajgir station is well-connected with the Gaya railway station, which is the main junction station of its line. The Gaya railway station is located some 60 km from Rajgir. You can easily get to Rajgir from the Gaya railway station using local trains, buses, and cabs from outside the station.
Top 10 places to visit in Rajgir
When you are visiting Rajgir, how can you know where to visit to make the most out of your trip? To aid your problems, this guide with the best Rajgir tourist places will help you arrange the best trip to Rajgir possible. This trip will focus on the diverse tourist attractions available in this city and allow you to experience the true beauty of this ancient city of Rajgir in all its glory. And before you get started on the amazing tourist places in Rajgir, let’s take a moment to review the travel plan to and from this incredible city.
Japanese Stupa
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Located on top of the Gridhakuta hill, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the Japanese Stupa, sits at the height of 400m. A final with a four-sided roof, a cylindrical body and a rounded top and foundation stone is what forms the Japanese Stupa.
This structure was built here as a symbol of peace reflected in the white colour exterior of the structure. The only way you can realise its magnificence is by visiting the Japanese Stupa in Rajgir.
The Japanese Stupa is located only 4 km from the city centre of Rajgir. You can easily walk to the monument or get public transport to and from the Stupa.
Rajgir Ropeway
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We learnt about the Japanese Stupa in the previous section, but how do you reach this architectural phenomenon situated atop such a great height? The transit which takes you to the Japanese Stupa is in itself a wonder, and an incredible ride at a mere price of about Rs. 30/50 per person is the Rajgir Ropeway.
The ropeway will take you through a stunning view and an understandable height that you’ll remember all your life. As it is located close to the Japanese Stupa, the ropeway is also located around 4 km from the city centre of Rajgir.
Bimbisara’s Jail
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An integral part of Buddhist literature, the Bimbsara’s Jail is situated on top of the Griddhakuta hill nearby the Japanese Stupa or the Pagoda. The story behind it is that the son of King Bimbisara, Ajatshatru was quite impatient as the next-in-line heir and imprisoned his father at this site so that he could spot Lord Buddha while he climbed atop the mountain.
You’d be able to clearly have a view of the Japanese Pagoda on the Bimbisara jail and at the same time visit a place that is so rich in history. This iconic Buddhist monument is located just 2 km from the city centre of Rajgir. You can easily take a relaxing walk down to the monument or get public transport, whichever suits you.
Maniar Math
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One of the oldest specimens of history and an important archaeological site, Maniar Math is one of the most prominent places to visit in Rajgir. The structure is built in the shape of a Stupa similar to the Japanese Stupa and made with cylindrical bricks. It was once believed to be a monastery for a particular cult that used to worship snakes.
It was named after a shrine found here at an excavation site during research and still serves as one of the most important relics in the history of this place. The Maniar Math, is located just 2 km from the city centre of Rajgir.
Rajgir Hot Springs
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Rajgir is considered as a goldmine for archaeologists as well as a holy place for the people who see the guidance of God. There are seven hot springs in Rajgir in total, which is collectively known as Saptarshi and merges into a huge pool of water, popularly known as the Brahma Kund.
The sacred water of these hot springs is said to have various healing properties for different chronic diseases. If you’re on tour to visit all the holy places in Rajgir, you simply can’t miss taking a dip in this one and finding out for yourself if you have experienced any healing or divine power.
The hot springs of Rajgir are located merely 2 km away from the city centre of Rajgir, which allows you to easily get down and witness these hot springs yourself.
Pandu Pokhar
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The Pandu Pokhar dates way back to the times of Mahabharata, named after the king of the Kuru kingdom, Pandu. If you’ve brought along your kid, this might be the best place for your family to explore as it brings recreation and devotion together at a natural amusement park spread across over 22 acres of land.
Statues of the king Pandu made from bronze are situated at multiple locations at the park to engage your kid’s attention. There are many activities like boating and meditation across the naturally decorated amusement park for you to have a good time.
The Pandu Pokhar, which surprisingly doesn’t relate to the Mahabharata in any way, is located merely 2 km from the city centre of Rajgir.
Makhdum Kund
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The Makhdum Kund at Rajgir is a famous shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Makhdum Shah. This dargah is known for its warm water springs that are said to be warm throughout the year. The common belief is that the water from these springs are blessed.
Thousands of tourists from around the world visit this dargah and enjoy the hot springs. If you want to truly understand the diversity of India and Rajgir, you must visit this tourist spot. The Makhdum Kund is located only 2 km from the city centre of Rajgir.
Vulture’s Peak
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Known as the residence of Lord Buddha for many years, the Vulture’s peak gets its name from its peculiar shape, which resembles that of a vulture. This peak is located at the height of 400m and is also an excellent sightseeing point offering a great view of Rajgir and its surrounding areas.
When you are visiting the Vulture’s peak, you might even get a glimpse of the grim vulture in the flesh as they are known to frequent the peak often. This popular tourist destination is located 4 km from the city centre of Rajgir.
Stupa of Sariputra
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The Stupa of Sariputra is the final resting place of one of Buddha’s main disciples Sariputra. It is said that the bones of Sariputra are protected and stored inside this stupa. Sariputra, one of Buddha’s main disciples, was immensely popular after he achieved salvation following Buddha’s footsteps.
Today this stupa is well-known for its classic Buddhist architectural style and historical value. It is an essential Buddhist tourist spot and is frequented by thousands of tourists, both Buddhists and from other religions, year-round. The Stupa of Sariputra is located less than a kilometre from the city centre of Rajgir.
Ghora Katora Lake
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With its history dating back to the time of Mahabharat, the Ghora Katora Lake is a well-loved tourist location in Rajgir. It is expected that Jarasandha, who was once a ruler of the Magadha kingdom, had a stable close to this lake. The name Ghora Katora, which translates to Horse Bowl, comes from that.
Today, you can learn a lot about this place’s history from locals while enjoying a nice picnic on the banks of the lake. This spot is very popular among locals and tourists, so expect a considerable gathering here whenever you visit.
The farthest tourist destination mentioned in the list so far, the Ghora Katora lake is located at an unfathomable distance of 8 km from the city centre of Rajgir.
FAQs
Is Rajgir a good tourist destination?
Yes, Rajgir is a great tourist destination for people interested in the history of India. The city of Rajgir hosts historical monuments that date back thousands of years. So, you can very well enjoy your trip to Rajgir with incredible historical monuments to cover on your trip.
What’s the ideal trip length for Rajgir?
Given that the tourist destinations in Rajgir are historical and not natural, you would need a longer trip than you think to properly cover all the spots. Ideally, you would need around 3-4 days to properly travel and experience Rajgir.
Is Rajgir a safe tourist destination?
Yes, Rajgir is as safe as most popular tourist destinations in India.
